FRIES — The Fries Volunteer Fire Department, organizers of the 46th Annual Fries Fiddlers Convention, have released the winners of the event, held earlier this month at the town’s ball field.
Tony Hicks won the Jesse Lovell Memorial Trophy for best youth guitar.
Victor Furtado won the Houston Caldwell Memorial Trophy for best all-around youth performer.
Tommy Nichols won the Henry Whitter Memorial Trophy for best all-around performer.

Larry Chambers

A band warms up in the campground for its turn on the big stage.

Larry Chambers

The 46th Annual Fries Volunteer Fire Department Old Time Fiddlers Convention and Bluegrass Convention was held Aug. 17-18 in Fries in memory of Jesse Lovell of Fries, who died June 20 at the age of 77. Lovell played in the convention every year and won many awards. The Lovell family was honored Aug. 17 with a plaque and a photo of Lovell playing his guitar. Eldon Burris (left) of FVFD made the presentation to Lovell’s son, Jimmie, and daughter and son-in-law, Phillip and Terrie Cochran. Also assisting in the presentation were Fries firefighter Adam Baumgardner and Fries Fire Chief Robbie Carrico (far right). Burris said the youth guitar first place award would be given in Lovell’s memory at future conventions.

Larry Chambers

Jesse Lovell's family poses with the photo they were given by the FVFD.